#### What is Verge? Verge (XVG) is a privacy-focused [digital currency](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-cryptocurrency) and [blockchain](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-blockchain) that aims to provide a fast, efficient, and decentralized payments network. It seeks to improve upon the original [Bitcoin](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-bitcoin) blockchain by integrating additional privacy features, such as the anonymity network Tor into its [wallet](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-crypto-wallet), vergePay, and offering the option of sending transactions to stealth addresses. Verge was initially launched in October 2014 as DogeCoinDark, a [fork](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-fork) of Peercoin (PPC), and was renamed Verge in February 2016 for easier mass-market adoption. The project is community-driven, relying on volunteers and prides itself on being [open source](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/open-source). #### How does Verge work? Verge operates on a proof-of-work consensus algorithm, similar to Bitcoin, on which Verge's code is based. At least 51% of all full nodes in the network must agree that a transaction is valid for it to be added to the blockchain. New [blocks](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/block) are created through the [mining](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-mining) process, where users compete to solve complex, energy-intensive problems. However, unlike Bitcoin, Verge supports five different mining algorithms, which according to the development team, makes the network more secure as more people can participate in the mining process. Verge also uses dual-key stealth addressing, which allows senders to create one-time wallet addresses on behalf of recipients to help protect their privacy. #### What are the potential use cases for Verge? Verge seeks to be adopted mainstream and as such, the Verge Core team pursues strategic partnerships to increase its awareness and use. It sponsors professional athletes and has partnered with platforms such as payments and rewards ecosystem MobiePay, crypto payments platform and ATM provider MeconCash, and blockchain-based online gambling platform Crazy8Token, among others. The Verge Core team often relies on crowdfunding and community support to be able to scale, market, and pursue partnerships. This makes Verge a potential choice for individuals and businesses looking for a fast, efficient, and decentralized way of making direct transactions. #### What is the history of Verge? Verge was launched in 2016 by Justin Valo, also known as "Justin Vendetta" or "Sunerok," a developer with over 20 years of experience in network security and nearly a decade in blockchain technology. He first developed the cryptocurrency as a passion project to empower individuals around the world with a greater sense of privacy. Valo first became interested in Bitcoin in 2011, later getting involved with [Dogecoin](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-dogecoin) after its late 2013 launch. He began working on Verge because he believed that none of the [altcoins](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/defi-tokens-and-altcoins) being developed at the time were adequately functional as digital currencies. In 2017, Valo was appointed to the advisory board of TokenPay (TPAY), a privacy-focused cryptocurrency.